* Translated by AI

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[World Cup Review] 'Huge upset' England draws 0-0 with 73rd-ranked Ghana in a frustrating stalemate... Despite dominating shots 19-2, they were left in tears.

Updated:

Kim Myeongseok

*This content was translated by AI.

England national team Jude Bellingham (left) looks disappointed after failing to score during the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
England national team Jude Bellingham (left) looks disappointed after failing to score during the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

It was truly a frustrating draw. England, the national football team aiming for its first World Cup title in 60 years, failed to secure early qualification for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup round of 32.

England, led by German coach Thomas Tuchel, drew 0-0 with Ghana in the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). According to the FIFA rankings, England is ranked 4th while Ghana is 73rd, a gap of 69 positions.

Earlier in the group stage's first match, England had defeated the "tough opponent" Croatia 4-2. Against Ghana, they aimed for two consecutive group stage wins but had to postpone that opportunity. England's final group stage opponent will be Panama.

On this day, England launched an offensive with Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) leading the attack, followed by Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), and Noni Madueke (Arsenal) positioned up front. They fielded the same attacking lineup as in the Croatia match.

England national team's starting lineup for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /Photo=England Football Association SNS screenshot
England national team's starting lineup for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /Photo=England Football Association SNS screenshot
Match action between England and Ghana during the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Match action between England and Ghana during the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

England opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the first half with a free kick from Declan Rice (Arsenal) and followed up with consecutive shots targeting the opponent's goal. However, England's shots repeatedly missed the target or were blocked by the defense. England's first-half ball possession reached a staggering 78%, and the shot count was 6-0, but there were no shots on target.

The flow in the second half was similar. It was not until the 5th minute of the second half that Marvin Senger (Auxerre) took Ghana's first shot of the day. England then pressed forward with consecutive shots from Madueke, Gordon, and Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest), repeatedly targeting Ghana's goal. However, even Kane's left-footed shot in the 24th minute of the second half was saved by the goalkeeper, and the tense 0-0 balance continued.

Coach Tuchel utilized Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) and Marcus Rashford (Barcelona) as substitutes, aiming for a breakthrough in the final moments of the match. Ghana also sought opportunities with counterattacks targeting the space behind England's defense in the 34th minute of the second half. In the 41st minute of the second half, Saka's long-range shot from England was also saved by the goalkeeper, and just one minute later, Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)'s header struck the crossbar.

England's offensive continued until the final moments of the second half, but they ultimately failed to open Ghana's goal. The shot count was 19-2. England dominated the match throughout but bowed their heads without managing to score. Both teams shared one point each, but the significance was vastly different.

England national team coach Thomas Tuchel is seen talking with Jude Bellingham during a hydration break in the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
England national team coach Thomas Tuchel is seen talking with Jude Bellingham during a hydration break in the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
England national team player Harry Kane looks disappointed after failing to score during the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
England national team player Harry Kane looks disappointed after failing to score during the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group L second match against Ghana at Boston Stadium in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

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*This content was translated by AI.

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